Reviews

The Monterey Symphony showcases the fabulous artistry of French pianist Phillipe Bianconi as the finale of its Concert Grand season. He performs Franz Liszt's virtuosic "Piano Concerto No. 2" in a program that also features him in Manuel de Falla's delightful "Nights in the Gardens of Spain," which depicts three gardens, in a setting for piano and orchestra.

The Washington Post describes Bianconi as "always close to the soul of the music, filling the space with poetry and life." After winning the Silver Medal in the 7th Van Cliburn International Competition, the pianist gave an acclaimed recital debut at Carnegie Hall in 1987 and, since then, has enthralled audiences and critics throughout the world.

The symphony's music director and conductor Max Bragado-Darman will lead the orchestra in two more works: Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" and Sergei Prokofiev's "Symphony No. 1," known as the "Classical."

The program will be performed at Carmel's Sunset Center at 8 p.m. on Saturday and at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Pre-concert talks by Dr. Todd Samra take place in house before each performance. For ticket information, call 831-646-8511 or visit the website at www.montereysymphony.org.